Joplin, Mo. - The Missouri Southern men's basketball program is set to make the last road trip of the season and take on Washburn and No. 2 Northwest Missouri to end the season.

Game Information
Teams: Missouri Southern (16-10, 12-8 MIAA) at Washburn (13-13, 10-10 MIAA) & #2/3 Northwest Missouri (25-2, 18-2 MIAA)
Date: Feb. 23rd & 25th
Tip-Off: 7:30 pm & 3:30 pm
Location: Topeka, Kan. & Maryville, Mo.
Sites: Lee Arena & Bearcat Arena
Series Record: Ichabods lead 51-36 overall, 31-12 in Topeka. Bearcats lead 42-24 overall, 23-6 in Maryville.

Coaches
MSSU: Sam McMahon (1st Season at MSSU / Overall, 16-10)
WU: Brett Ballard (8th Season Overall, 150-92), (6th Season at WU, 117-62)
NW: Ben McCollum  (14th Season at NW / Overall, 359-85)

Media Coverage
MSSU Radio: Mike McClure - Play by play - SOMO Sports Radio - 101.3 FM / 1560 AM
Live Audio/Video/Stats - https://www.mssulions.com/coverage
Lions on Facebook:  Facebook.com/mososports
Lions on Twitter: @mososports; @mssumensbball

Three-Point Streak
The Lions failed to make a three-pointer at Arkansas Tech in their match-up in 2012-13. It was the first time in 404 games that Southern had failed to hit a three pointer, dating back to Jan. 20, 1999 against Missouri S&T. The Lions have had a three in 314 straight games since Arkansas Tech in 2012-13. During the streak the Lions have made one three in two games, two threes in five games, three threes in nine games, four threes in 17 games, five threes in 26 games, six threes in 33 games, seven threes in 32 games, eight threes in 46 games, nine threes in 32 games, 10 threes in 37 games, 11 threes in 23 games, 12 threes in nine games, 13 threes in 13 games, 14 threes in 12 games, 15 threes in seven games, 16 threes in four games, 17 threes in two game, 18 threes in three games, 20 threes in one game and 22 threes in one game.

Lions In The Pros
Currently, there are eight active former Lions playing professionally in Europe or overseas. Stan Scott (Riachuelo LR - Argentina), Elyjah Clark (Olimpico - Argentina), Skyler Bowlin (Bakken - Denmark), Vincent Ateba (Saint Vallier - France), Jordan Talbert (SBB Baskets - Germany), Marquis Addison (Dinamo Stiinta - Romania), Keane Thoma (BAC - Denmark) and Enis Memic (Igman Burch - Bosnia) all are playing professionally.

How Do You Say That?
Ndongo Ndaw pronounces his name Ndongo (Nongo) Ndaw (Now).

New Leader Of The Pride
For the first time in eight years, the Lions are under new leadership as former assistant coach Sam McMahon was introduced as the seventh head coach in program history on April 5, 2022.

Win No. 1
Sam McMahon picked up his first collegiate coaching win against Illinois Springfield, 89-80 at the Pittsburg State Classic on Nov. 18.

Fast 10-to-15
Sam McMahon picked up 10 wins in only 14 games as head coach of the Lions to tie a program record set by Frank Davis in 1968-69 with both coaches needing 14 games to achieve double digit wins in their inaugural seasons. Following the Lions win over Washburn, McMahon set the record for a first year head coach in their first 15 games with Davis (68-69), Chuck Williams (77-78) and Jeff Boschee (14-15) all going 10-5 in their first 15 games.

New Assistant Coaches
The Lions will have two new assistant coaches roaming the sidelines this year, in Jason Owens and Paul McMahon. Owens has coached in the MIAA before with Pittsburg State under Kim Anderson from 2017-19 and has also had stops at Missouri State - West Plains, Southeast Missouri State, Moberly Area Community College, Neosho Community College and Seina Heights. Paul McMahon is back for his second stint roaming the sidelines in Joplin after spending a year away from the school and is entering his sixth season with the Green & Gold.

Statement First MIAA Win
Southern went in and defeated previously undefeated and 6th ranked Central Oklahoma 56-50 in Edmond this year. It was the first MIAA win for the team and coach Sam McMahon as Winston Dessesow (14), Vinson Sigmon Jr. (12) and Ndongo Ndaw (11) scored in double figures, Ndaw picked up his first double-double of his career for the Lions with 11 rebounds but Christian Bundy had a game-high 14 rebounds in the game.

Broncho's Buster
This season the Lions have been the thorn in the side of league leaders Central Oklahoma with two of their losses this season coming against the Lions. In Edmond it was a 56-50 win over then No. 6 UCO with the Bronchos shooting 28.8 percent from the field and 10.0 percent from three. In Joplin it was a 66-59 win over then No. 4 UCO with the Bronchos shooting 37.3 percent from the field and 31.8 percent from three.